ISLAMABAD: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced a reduction in petrol and high-speed diesel prices, providing some relief to consumers amid continued pressure on household budgets.
According to the notification issued by OGRA, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs1.93 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been cut by Rs4.21 per litre.
The revised petroleum prices have been notified following the latest government decision. The reduction is expected to provide limited relief to motorists and transporters, particularly those relying heavily on fuel for daily travel and commercial activities.
Meanwhile, the federal government has introduced changes to the Prime Minister’s Special Relief Scheme for fuel after receiving feedback from citizens during the first 48 hours of its nationwide implementation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme and discuss public concerns.
Following the feedback, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved two changes for motorcycles, three-wheelers and rickshaws.
The government has removed the requirement for beneficiaries to purchase at least five litres of petrol in a single transaction. Under the revised arrangement, eligible consumers will receive a weekly token worth Rs500, which can be used to purchase fuel in any quantity.
The change is aimed at helping beneficiaries who cannot afford to purchase five litres at once and ensuring that smaller fuel purchases can also qualify for the relief.
The government has also increased the eligibility age limit for two-wheelers and three-wheelers from 15 years to 20 years.
There has been no change to the existing arrangement for four-wheelers with engine capacities of up to 800cc. Eligible beneficiaries will continue to receive one 10-litre token every 10 days, equivalent to three tokens per month.
The government has further clarified that the full value of the Rs500 fuel token will be passed on to consumers. Petrol stations will not be permitted to deduct any amount or impose a service charge on beneficiaries.
The measures are part of the government’s efforts to improve access to fuel relief and address concerns raised following the scheme’s initial rollout.
